Aussitôt Mort means "immediately dead" in the French language. Their name, as well as their sound, is marked by powerful intensity. The four musicians who make up the French group - some of whom are also in the French band Amanda Woodward - have released 6 Songs as a way for fans to get their hands on previously released vinyl-only songs. Their first demo was made into the Aussitôt Mort 12" by Level Plane Records; the four songs from that release are coupled with a song from their 7" split with Balboa and a brand new track.
"Memoria Grigia," an Italian title meaning "grey memory," begins with delayed, distant and spacey guitar until the rest of the band joins in to complete the barrage. The song then ends with the same beautiful calmness that started it. The vocals, yelled in French, are the perfect accompaniment to the band's heavy yet fluid sound. Aussitôt Mort have a way of creating music that captures listeners' appreciation, combining poignant musical delivery with a looming rhythm section.
The airiness of the guitar delay is juxtaposed by the punching, distorted low-end guitar work; this makes for a well-rounded sound and hard-to-ignore songs. "Aussitôt Dort, Aussitôt Mort," makes me want to head-bang, but not the kind of speed metal head-banging. The band emits a force more akin to stoner-metal than the faster, upbeat side of thrash or death metal. "Une Once de Courage" exhibits some interesting drum beats and build-ups, while the intro to "Percuté," the previously unreleased song, shows a more ambient/instrumental side to the band.
Recently, Aussitôt Mort has been a case of "good news, bad news." Bad news first? Okay. Well, the band had planned to tour the United States this summer - a long anticipated endeavor - but for some reason unbeknownst to their eager fans, they had to cancel. The good news is that their new LP is currently in pressing and should be out within the next five weeks or so. With a new release, the full-length Montuenga, due out in July and an upcoming U.S. tour promised in the near future, this is the perfect time to get excited about Aussitôt Mort.
